Biking the AMAZING Virginia Creeper Trail (Part 1)

[@GMoneyLove]

I stumbled on this video when KZbin suggested it the other day. The VA Creeper Trail was one that we talked about doing this year, but life got in the way of. Your video really hit home how this needs to go on the must do for bike adventures in 2024. And after watching this part, what happens next? I end up watching several more of your videos and enjoying my time on the trainer that much more. Thanks for creating a really positive, fun, high quality channel. I follow a number of cycling KZbin channels of various types, but yours will now go up on my must watch videos alongside Ryan van Duzer and Syd & Mackey. Positive people, sharing adventures in an honest way, doing the sport I enjoy. Thanks.

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks so much for the feedback and the kind words. I'm having fun creating them. Yeah, I have a handful of favorites that I watch as well. Paul Sucheki...Southern E-biking...Billy Bikes & Brews...and others. I'm in awe of Ryan Van Duzer's videography skills...he's a real pro with that drone!

[@titusyeti2]

Love that trail. My wife's 70 yo uncle loaded up a dozen bikes in a truck and trailer in 1997 and took my family to the top of the Creeper and that trail and trip reinvigorated my cycling joy for over the following 20 years since. He took us to the Natural Bridge nearby and made a memory that will last my lifetime. Thank you for sharing.🙏

[@joyfultrails]

That’s awesome!

[@rickbelieves7652]

very pretty

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks!

[@tabiasmclain1140]

I live in sc too. I just not to long ago started riding bick n watching your videos make me want to go out ride more

[@joyfultrails]

Good...get out there! Happy to serve up some inspiration! Just have fun with it...

[@chrisscott7113]

We rode the creeper trail for part of our anniversary trip in July! What an incredible experience. We rented bikes in Abington and took a bus to white top

[@joyfultrails]

Cool! Hey...great way to celebrate a wedding anniversary!

[@jamesgodfrey8678]

All you videos are well filmed, but the quality on this trip was your best ever. Great lighting!

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks!

[@Unspeakablestudios.com.]

great video...how much uphill peddling and your film is great!

[@joyfultrails]

Thank you! The uphill is fairly gradual until you get to Green Cove. From Green Cove to Whitetop (the final 3 miles or so) it’s a steeper grade. But well worth it!

[@nick_john]

Beautiful trail named after one of many nuisance vines I’m constantly fighting with on my property. At least it’s not poisonous or thorny.

[@markstewart9203]

I'm a local who loves our trail. Fantastic job! Thank You!

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks! Great trail. And I really enjoyed my time in Abingdon and Damascus.

[@hotchihuahua1546]

Very deserving and close to that 1000 subscriber mark ! 👍

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks 👍

[@JohnJones-cj2xd]

I have more memories on this trail than any of the others.

[@joyfultrails]

I look forward to a return visit myself...

[@staceyball1845]

Awesome video.!! My wife and I rode the Creeper last weekend. Abingdon to Damascus and back. 31.4 miles total.

[@joyfultrails]

Awesome! I was there 2 weeks ago. Loved it (obviously). Thanks for watching!

[@johnjuza2659]

Great video!!!

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks!

[@Rlaplante73]

Wow, this trail is over the top! You provided a great overview along with epic scenes along the way. Super job with editing, music selection, etc.

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks! Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@marycarr1070]

We live in Abingdon and feel so blessed to bike the trail at least twice a week.

[@joyfultrails]

I was there for parts of 4 days...and thoroughly enjoyed my stay!

[@bentrider]

All righty then. You now have a new subscriber. I have been riding rail Trails for 20 years or more. I just love it! I do not know how I have never seen you on KZbin before but I'm glad I did today. I have a friend in Virginia and I live in California so now I just have one more great reason to go visit him. I would really like to know how you get some of those overhead shots while you're riding down the trail. Thank you very much for these videos! Ride on my friend!😀

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement! I’ve really only been focusing on building this channel since the end of January of this year. It’s been a lot of fun. About 90% of my videos are shot with an iPhone and an Insta360 X3 camera. It’s that Insta360 camera that gets the overhead shots. It’s on a 9 1/2 foot long selfie stick… But when you edit the footage, the selfie stick disappears, causing it to look like a drone hovering over (or in front of or behind) the bike.

[@andyansley357]

Great production. Good music and great camera work.

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks! I’m glad you liked it.

[@JohnJones-cj2xd]

You are so right the bridges are spiritual.

[@joyfultrails]

I know, right? I almost found myself getting emotional the first time I went across some of the more famous ones. Which is weird... I was like, "What's going on?!" ha...

[@billysbikesbrews7183]

Virginia Creeper Trail is Special.. Love the way you at your Twist to the trial.. Very Unique.. There's so many ways to bike this trail.. You could bike ride every season for a different bike ride.. Solo is Best.. Soak it all in.. But bring Family Friends.. Thanks Scott 🚴‍♂️😎🍁🌞🎥

[@joyfultrails]

That's a GREAT idea! Ride it once during every season. I'm going to try to do that. It's only 2hrs & 45 min from my home. So it's not close...but also not too far away. Thanks, friend...

[@pedrofernandez8729]

I bet you give it 5 stars, well worth it. Another trail added to my bucket list.

[@joyfultrails]

I bet you’re right. 😉 Thanks for watching, sir!

[@classifiedinformation6353]

Beautiful video. I have known about the Virginia Creeper Trail for years, even passing by it, but yet too have attempted it. I assumed it was just a gravel road up to the top. Now I know the ride will be a combination of what makes a rail trails special. It seems to have my favorite elements of a great trial; water, bridges, rock blffs, and open spaces are found on the trail. But my favorite element is historic towns with old architecture. Thanks for the video. I will be visiting the trail soon. John from Bethel, Missouri. USA

[@joyfultrails]

Awesome, glad to have helped. Like you, I had heard about it for a long time but this was my first experience. Thanks for watching!

[@FollowThomas]

Well done video. I need to ride this trail it's not long but very beautiful 👍

[@joyfultrails]

It’s a good one. I’d be interested to see/hear what you think about it.

[@bigonebikes]

What a beautiful trail at the perfect time of year. Superb videography. Production quality on fire. To get such great footage is no easy feat. You made it so seamless I felt like I was on the ride. Well done and thanks for letting me lose myself for a few minutes.

[@joyfultrails]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it. I agree - GREAT trail! I hope to revisit it this year. 🙂

[@PFAM5]

Fantastic adventure! I mean that from the top of my heart. Love that hoodie. What a surreal experience. Production was 🔥 as the kids would say lol.

[@joyfultrails]

Thank you, sir! What you didn’t see in this video is that I wiped out on one of the bridges…and also got caught in a thunderstorm, complete with hail. 😳 I’m saving that footage for a “Bike Story” video sometime later on! 😬

[@PFAM5]

@@joyfultrails oh wow! Glad you’re ok. If they had a “you survived the Virginia Creeper trail” t-shirt that would mean something to you lol

[@RichardMooreAndJulieMoore]

Wow, fantastic video. It looks like you are really getting the 360 camera figured out. How much extra time does it cause you in video production? Your video has Julie all ready to head down and ride the Virginia creeper.

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks! It does add an extra step. I use their "360 studio" on the desktop to edit the clips. You import the clips...use keyframes to tell each clip where to point and what you want it to do...and then export them as an mp4 file, ready to be imported into Premiere for editing. Sounds like a lot of work, but to me, editing the 360 clips is just fun! I look pretty strange, riding a bike while holding a 9 and a half-foot tall selfie stick in one hand. People want to know what it is. I've been asked if it's a fishing pole or a metal detector! And yes, I would truly recommend that trail. Maybe in warmer weather, though.

[@stevetakesabikehike]

What a fabulous ride. The cinematography is outstanding as well. Bravo!

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks! Yeah, it’s a great trail. I already want to go back. 😆

[@siemenz1225]

The trail with the journey the rendition the music and the narrative, is just epic. 😊😊

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks for watching!

[@themindunset]

Nice review of this trail. Your footage is really well done. I look forward to getting out to ride this trail.

[@joyfultrails]

You will not be disappointed! Thanks for the kind words.

[@carrollleopard1961]

Nice trail. Virginia has several nice trails. Va. Creeper Trail and New River Rail Trail are two of them. Great video and thanks for sharing it.

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks! New River is on my someday list... 🙂 ...as well as High Bridge.

[@JamesSmith-zs8fl]

The VA Creeper Trail is on my list for this coming June.

[@joyfultrails]

You won’t be disappointed!

[@TrekkingwithMikeandDeb]

Very nice video. We are heading there next fall for sure.

[@joyfultrails]

Excellent choice. You'll enjoy it. 🙂

[@rwayne73]

What a fantastic video! That took a strong effort! So many things done so well in so many different areas! That was video production perfection! Can't wait to ride the trail one day.

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks so much! Your comments really made my day. 🙂

[@lovewhitelake]

One of the very best trails anywhere!!!! Love that trail!! And that bike UP to Whitetop is no joke!!! Have done it a few times and it’s never easy!! Lol. Great video!!

[@joyfultrails]

I thought about turning around at Green Cove, no lie... 😂 But I'm glad I pressed on. It is a great trail!

[@alanharpdesign]

Excellent! We rode the whole thing last year (in both directions) starting in Damascus headed to White Top. The returning to Damascus for lunch then on to Abingdon and back to Damascus. Loved reliving it thru your video.

[@joyfultrails]

Cool! I don't know about you, but I actually enjoyed the trip UP to Whitetop more than just coasting down. I saw more, noticed more. But it does get pretty strenuous! Thanks for watching.

[@alanharpdesign]

Indeed, I enjoyed the climb much more for the same reason. More time to see and enjoy the scenery. Too easy to go too fast downhill to be sightseeing. Can’t wait for Part 2! 😊

[@seeinglifethroughmylens]

I keep a journal of your trails that I want to visit. THIS is now at the top. I am already looking for places for next fall time. Thank you for all the work you put into making these.

[@joyfultrails]

Thank you for the kind words. You can't go wrong with this one. And this video is just HALF of it!

[@alannebel2720]

As usual a great peaceful way to start the day. In 2019 on a trip to Texas I rode about 10 miles of the Creeper trail. Can't wait to do the whole thing, thanks again for a great video.

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks! And, yes, I think you should do the whole thing. 😉

[@southernebiking]

Great job on the video Scott. Sure does look a lot different than when I wrote it horse back 25 years ago. I was up closer to white top, but I guarantee it has been upgraded since that time. LOL I don’t believe anybody would’ve rode a bicycle on it at that time. Anyway, very high-quality on the video. Job well done. I’m looking forward to the next.

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks! It was a blast. What I don't mention in the videos is that I got rained on on the day in between the bike rides. Literally got caught on trestle #2 in a thunderstorm, complete with hail. 😳Didn't pay close enough attention to the weather forecast, I guess. You warned me about the weather! It's gonna make a good "bike story" video down the road a little bit. 😂 Plan is to have Part 2 (to Whitetop) out next week. Thanks for watching. Looking forward to seeing what you and the Mrs. get into on your trip...

[@mikeduhon7333]

I’m from Louisiana and this trail I have to ride. Awesome views. 18:48 18:48

[@joyfultrails]

I'll talk about this more in Part 2, but this is what I would consider a "destination trail." Worth a long weekend. Or even plan a vacation around it. This video is just HALF of it! Thanks for watching.

[@n.speezly1467]

I’ve lived in SE Virginia most of my life and didn’t know this exsisted! Thank you for opening my eyes to this trail, I will definitely be going soon

[@joyfultrails]

Awesome! It really is an amazing experience. You will be glad you did.

[@georgegonzalez3895]

Omg this trail is spectacular ❤

[@tobydavis5673]

I started section hiking the Appalachian Trail last year (2023) and have started back this year. I live in Southeastern Georgia and I’m able to travel north in 6 or 7 hours to get to the section of trail Im now hiking. I was just in Damascus as I’ve managed to make it that far with the section hiking. Part of the Appalachian Trail intertwines for a short while on the Virginia Creeper Trail and I walked on it 2 days ago. Due to rain and a cold front that was coming through I came home a little early from the hike. Since I had hiked on the Virginia Creeper, once I got home I wanted to know more about it and came across your fabulous video. You have done an excellent job making this video, as it is awesome. Besides hiking I also like to bicycle and am subscribing to your channel. Thanks for making and sharing these amazing scenes of the trail. I certainly hope to ride on it in the near future.

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks so much for taking time to comment, and for the kind words. I really appreciate it. Hope you continue to enjoy your adventures, whether on 2 feet or 2 wheels!

[@mountainsnmoore256]

Looking forward to Part 2! I thought that you might like that trail! I want to go back and do a bikepacking trip up from Abingdon to Whitehorse, camp, then ride back down the next day. I think that would be a cool trip! Also...I was sorting through some of my past trips that I still need to edit for KZbin videos, and I have your next assignment from me...Cades Cove! They close the 11 mile loop to vehicles every Wednesday from May-September! It is a cool little ride...but def not a flat rail trail.

[@joyfultrails]

You were right, I had a blast! Yeah, Cades Cove is on my radar screen...I'll probably just take a day or two off during the week next Spring and do that one. Thanks for watching!

[@mountainsnmoore256]

@@joyfultrails We’ve got a couple of videos on Cades Cove and a couple of more that I’ll be editing soon. I’ve even so busy with the Yukon trip, vehicles repairs, and traveling with work that I haven’t been on a bike in way too long! I gotta get back at it!

[@jackfarris7056]

I am currently on a quest to ride all of the hall of fame trails in America. I've yet to ride the VC. Your personal take on the tr as il has me thinking a fall trip there would be astonishing. Thanks for the great video.

[@joyfultrails]

That sounds like an awesome bucket list activity you've got going there. Yes, by all means, add this one to your list. Thanks for watching.

[@samcole431]

Rode that trail many times.It never gets old

[@joyfultrails]

I absolutely loved it!

[@SerendipitySoulFluidArt]

My husband and I have been binge watching your bike rides and we sure were happy to see you ride “The Creeper”. We live here in SW VA and Abingdon is about 20 minutes from us. The history here is pretty amazing. We learned a few new things from you today! Also really enjoyed watching you ride the Tweetsie Trail between Johnson City and Elizabethton (I am a Unicoi Co native and I was so happy to see that trail come to fruition). Your sense of humor and charm are quite refreshing - thanks for reminding viewers that there’s still SO much to see if you just go outdoors, wander a little and absorb the fresh air and beauty that is the Appalachian Mountains. We sure are blessed to live in such a beautiful place. Cheers to your next adventure! Jan and Ronnie

[@joyfultrails]

Your comment totally made my day! Thanks for watching and I’m glad you guys enjoy the videos.

[@ostekuste3646]

Done this one more than a few times, but your video makes me want to go back and see it with new eyes.

[@fabioortiz7729]

Gorgeous trail, great footage… and great narration/ commentary

[@joyfultrails]

@@fabioortiz7729 Thanks! I appreciate the kind words. It really is a great trail!

[@jamesharrison2374]

Another great video, my daughter, her husband, and my grandson have rode this a number of times, will need to put it on my list for this year. My wife just got a new bike that suits her better after her knee replacement. Another good trail is the Tweetsie trail in Johnson City TN.

[@joyfultrails]

If you ride the Creeper, you will not be disappointed. Thanks for the tip on the Tweetsie…I’ll have to add it to my list. 🙂

[@iamjessieray]

Recently I have gained an interest in biking. I plan to buy one soon and I live not far from this trail and was born in Abingdon but I have never seen the whole trail. I never realized just how beautiful the parts I haven't seen are. I can't wait to ride the whole thing. As far as washing my hands... I'll just stick some sanitizer in my pocket lol

[@joyfultrails]

Ha! Yeah, the hand sanitizer should work. 😂 It really is a gorgeous trail. Pick a pretty day and go take it all in!

[@s.j.5850]

Enjoyed taking the ride with you. Looking forward to watching part 2.

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@AbingdonVirginia]

Thank you for coming to visit us! We dig that sweatshirt you got there ;) If you return to see us again, stop by the visitor center and let us know!

[@joyfultrails]

Thank you! Will do. It's an awesome trail (but you already knew that). :)

[@Rollout123]

Amazing videos! Thank you for putting these together... had no idea trails like this existed...we are going to try the creeper trail this fall.

[@joyfultrails]

You WILL NOT be disappointed. I loved it.

[@wvmontani]

Awesome drone shots.

[@joyfultrails]

Thank you! It’s actually an Insta360 camera. But it behaves like a drone!

[@wvmontani]

@@joyfultrails When are you going to do the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail?

[@sdhscrosscountry]

Love this Trail

[@aaronmyers1967]

Hi there Scott. Great video!! My brother from Florida texted me the link to this specific video. He saw me in the video riding my unicycle. 🙂 The trail is a perfect ride for any 32" or 36" long distance unicyclist. Just ride with a 150mm crank for ease .

[@joyfultrails]

@@aaronmyers1967 Yes! I was excited when you came by because it’s such an unusual thing to see someone on a trail like that riding a unicycle. Hope you don’t mind me including you in the video. 🙂

[@aaronmyers1967]

I didn't mind at all about being filmed. 🙂​@@joyfultrails

[@tybrady4598]

Most people ride from White Top to Damascus. The section from Abington to Damascus is nice, but not nearly as nice as the other section. People ride from White Top to Damascus because that direction is downhill, if you go the other way, you’ll get a lot of exercise, which might be what you want. There are plenty of bike rental and shuttle services, most of those are in Damascus and they’ll shuttle you to White Top. For reference, White Top is at the highest elevation, then Damascus, which is kind of in the middle, then Abingdon. The section from Damascus is still kind of downhill, but almost flat. The real elevation change is White Top to Damascus.

[@joyfultrails]

I wanted to challenge myself! I agree with you that the run to white top is more scenic… Although the first half definitely has some awesome moments as well. You can’t go wrong on that trail!

[@lindamarquette7351]

Just wondering how you mostly filmed this? Mostly drone? You have it on follow me mode? Or use GoPro? Looks beautiful there. It’s on my To Do list.

[@joyfultrails]

It is an Insta360 x3 camera. It’s actually on the end of a 9 ft “selfie stick” but in editing, the stick disappears, causing the drone-like effect. Yes, the Creeper is an awesome trail. Looking forward to a return visit sometime myself!

[@lindamarquette7351]

@@joyfultrails cool…. Where did you find a 9ft selfie stick? What software do you edit in?

[@philiporourke7896]

Can you pitch a tent on the trail.

[@joyfultrails]

I'm tempted to revert to 14-yr old humor and make a joke here...but I won't. (ha ha) My understanding is that people do "bike-pack" on the trail...I've seen several KZbin videos along that line. So I'm gonna say "yes!"

[@spender397]

I love your videos and hope to bike the trail next fall. What cameras do you use, do you use a drone? I like to take vacation videos for memories, but your is excellent!

[@joyfultrails]

I’d say about 90% of my videos are shot using two cameras - 1) an iPhone 14 (usually in cinematic mode) for the stationary or still shots, shots that are taken off the bike… And 2) the more drone-like shots that you see taken on the bike are accomplished with an Insta 360 X3 camera. I still use a GoPro for some random shots here and there - especially some of the “pass-by” shots (a shot of me riding past the camera and out of the frame). Probably next year I’m going to do some videos on “the making of” my videos, or “how to film yourself on a bicycle”, that sort of thing. But if you have any further questions, I’d be happy to answer them.

[@spender397]

I have a go pro, but wasn’t familiar with the 360 x3 camera, so you used the in invisible selfie stick for the drone looking shots. If so, it sure has a high reach. Love all the effects, might have to add that camera for my vacation videos

[@DejanOfRadic]

It is refreshing to see a guy on a comfortable bike wearing cotton and a baseball cap. The vast majority of bike content makes it seem like you need to change your whole personality just to ride a bike through the woods....not to mention about $10 000 once you are done buying all the unnecessary gear.

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks...I have a buddy who wears the lycra suit and has the fancing cycling computer and all the stuff...I just try to be me. I do what I can. I just really enjoy exploration and experiencing the surroundings more than speed, distance, etc. But to each his own...

[@kzarz0219]

Oh man!! Thanks for the amazing video. What month did you ride the trail? The views are just magnificient!!

[@joyfultrails]

Thanks! It was third week of October, 2023. 🙂

[@leegandysdroid]

I will comment after part 2. You will just have to wait. 😂

[@joyfultrails]

Touché! 😂 I see what you did there... What, you're going to wait and see if I actually make it to Whitetop? Because it's not a done deal...no guarantee! 😆

[@Martin_HD28]

Beautiful! New subscriber here

[@joyfultrails]

@@Martin_HD28 Thanks. Welcome!

[@jamesguinn365]

Hey Scott. I just found your channel here and am enjoying watching your rides. Something comes to mind, though. Would you be the same Scott Bachman who was in a band called The Promise with Drue Bachman back in the 90s?

[@joyfultrails]

@@jamesguinn365 Hey there! Yes, I’m afraid so… 😂🎹🚲 Are we friends from way back?

[@jamesguinn365]

​@joyfultrails, well, how about that! I never did meet you, but we ran in alot of the same circles back in the 90's. I had a radio show back then in Huntington, WV. I played Sunday Blue quite a bit, and even hosted MFS one time. I'll friend you and dm you later and would love to chat a bit! Grace and Peace to you!

[@joyfultrails]

@@jamesguinn365 That’s cool! I used to do a Christian rock radio show in Greenville, South Carolina. I really enjoyed doing that. I’ll let Drue know about our interaction!

[@gordonhutchinson2949]

A fan of rails to trails and photography - well done!!! What camera equip do you use?

[@joyfultrails]

@@gordonhutchinson2949 Thanks! As I recall, this entire video was shot using an iPhone 14 and an Insta360 X3. (There may be a few shots in there with a GoPro Hero 9.)

[@bebopkirby]

Beautiful video. Don’t know where You Tubers get their music from, but I’m beginning to feel a little beaten down by that folk singer dude.

[@joyfultrails]

Ha! I looked for the song, and I can’t find it… But at that time I was using music from Artlist. But I can’t remember the artist name… 🫤

[@123gmor]

It was almost totally destroyed by Hurricane Helene in 2024, even most of the bridges were washed away. Damascus to Abington may be rideable but Whitetop to Damascus is all gone!

[@joyfultrails]

So very sorry to hear this. 😕

[@offourrockers9471]

Is part 2 out?

[@joyfultrails]

@@offourrockers9471 Yes! The link is in the description box.

[@reneemoorefrost4871]

I need that hoodie!! Where can I get 2?

[@joyfultrails]

I can’t find any online. I guess you’ll have to go to the Virginia Creeper Welcome Center in Abingdon. 🤷‍♂️

[@deborahschweizer8272]

What was the mileage on day 1 ?

[@joyfultrails]

I didn’t run an exact clock on it… But Damascus is pretty much halfway between Abington and White Top. So it’s about 17 miles from Abington to Damascus and about 17 miles from Damascus to White Top.

[@deborahschweizer8272]

@@joyfultrails ok so about 34 miles round trip .Abington to Damascus and back.Thank you.

[@conniehoyle2669]

I think it’s all gone

[@Sr89hot]

Rode the whole thing last year. Going against the flow up the mountain isn’t fun. It is way too crowded with downhillers. The rest of the trail is fantastic.